DATE:
April 26, 2022
23
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
GENERAL SERVICES - APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE TO LEASE SPACE FOR THE PUBLIC DEFENDER IN EAST SAN DIEGO COUNTY (DISTRICT: 2)
Body
OVERVIEW
The Department of the Public Defender (PD) has partially operated out of the East County Regional Center (ECRC) for over 20 years. However, as PD continues to grow, the current location no longer meets its operational needs to serve the East County region and there is not an opportunity to expand within the ECRC. PD has a need for additional space near the Superior Court East County Division to continue to provide the essential services to the community.
Today's request is for the Board of Supervisors (Board) to approve in principle the lease of office space for PD in East County. Upon successful negotiation of a lease agreement, staff will return to the Board to request approval of the transaction.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
1. Find that the proposed action is not an approval of a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15352 and 15378 (b)(5) of the State CEQA Guidelines.
2. Approve in principle the lease of office space for the Public Defender.
3. Authorize the Director, Department of General Services, to conduct a search for suitable sites, negotiate a lease and return to the Board for approval of the agreement.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The mission of the Public Defender is to protect the rights, liberties, and dignity of all persons in San Diego County and maintain the integrity and fairness of the American Justice System by providing the finest legal representation in the cases they are entrusted with. An effective legal defense promotes more balanced and equitable criminal justice outcomes, particularly for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. Today's action will allow clients of the Public Defender and their families to access assistance in the eastern portion of...
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